Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

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  Quality remains - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Bittle - February 9 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I ever owned. Very affordable luxury - same size as Mercedes 230 or BMW 5 series in 2000 model without pricetag. I have owned 4 Camrys and moved up to the Avalon. I stand by the Toyota name in spite of the fact that I have 3 relatives who work for a domestice auto company which allows me to purchase vehicles at below dealer invoice. The fact is that the quality I pay for in the Toyota line is more than worth the down time and repair bills I incurred from the domestic cars I bought.

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  This SUV is great!!! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By syd1977 - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Its a womans best friend!!!! I like the smooth drive and the engine is not noisy. Its compact, but hey, its good for a single person who travels alot.

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  No complaints - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Nevada Toyota Buyer - February 9 - 2:00 am

  What a well-designed car...safety and security are well thought out, windows and sunroof can be closed after the key is removed (up to 43 seconds later) and a satellite radio built in! Its a quiet, smooth riding car with a sporty look, not the boxy sedan of the four-door Camry. Service is minimal (120K spark plug change, oil changes recommended every 5,000 miles), fit and finish are outstanding, a great personal car. I am enjoying the driving experience as much as any car I have ever had.

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  The Best SUV !!!! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mikesail - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I traded my Passat for the 4 Runner SR5 4X4.What a quality product.Look no further !!!This is the best SUV on the market.Drove the VW Toureg,Honda Pilot,forget about the Explorer-waste of money..Just get the 4 Runner.Why would you pay close to 30 K for anything else.My first Toyota and absolutely love it.Versatile,fun,roomy and really drives like a car.Quality!!!

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  Yep - Its a Corolla!! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By slick vick - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Corolla over the summer and immediately took it across the country. Still feels new like the day I bought it. The new redesign is SWEET, looks better than any compact out there. Sporty yet kinda sophisticated. Though next time Im going with something with a little more POWER. Suggested Improvements: That random sulfur/rotten egg smell problem! Thats got to be fixed! Its quite an offensive smell and embarassing when you have passengers! Check the paint before you buy. My paint looks "runny" towards the bottom of the side doors, though its not very noticeable. The interior carpet is cheap. Mine has already severely frayed around the doors.

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  What a minivan was meant to be! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Dr. Jeff - February 9 - 2:00 am

  After seven years with a Pontiac Transport, a capable performer, we switched to the Sienna, our first "foreign" car. Not a bad deal when you can get the top-ranked vehicle in its class for less than the GM nameplates and only $700 over invoice. It rides like a car, has a solid feel throughout, and has features that appeal to every member of our family. Forget the DVD system; add your own portable player for about $200!

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  GREAT Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By DeeMac - February 9 - 2:00 am

  we absolutely LOVE this van we finally got rid of our 1994 Chrysler Grand Voyager-it had 174,000 on it and served us well. We are so pleased with the Sienna and glad we switched to Toyota we Highly recommend this vehicle

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  2009 Corolla S - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By John Doe - February 8 - 11:06 pm

  I decided to try the all new 2009 Corolla Sport and I absoloutely loved it! I can turn easily. The acceleration is just fine. I feel very comfortable while driving. I would heavily recommend the Corolla over any sedan at this pricepoint in the market right now. Great buy for what your getting!

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  If only it had suitcase capacity... - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By spicetrader - February 8 - 4:40 pm

  A very fine car in many ways. Handles perfectly. Quite agile on corners. Driving it is a pleasure. Almost every time I enter or leave a parking lot, somebody tells me what a cool car it is. I have actually managed to carry driver and passenger with two bags of golf clubs behind the seats.

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  Fun to drive!!!! - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By HankInTempe - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I read all the reviews on all the magezines. Narrowed my list to 12 models, and test drive them. The Celica was low on the horsepower list, but best in suspention and handling. The power is outstanding for everyday driving. The gearbox and clutch are perfect. Lane changes and cornering are the best part of driving. The cockpit feels the best of any car I drive from Honda, Acura, Mitsubishi... The seats are low and give the go cart handling feel. I didnt want the best 0-60 time, but I do want to take corners at 40 mph. This car does exactly that. Off the lights, its no slug. Ive blown away some really nice cars. BUY ONE!!!